GOP urges Ill. congressional candidate to withdraw

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Illinois Republican officials are calling for a Chicago-area congressional candidate to leave the GOP race after she blamed bad weather on legalized abortions and gay rights.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports the state's GOP chairman, Jack Dorgan, says the comments by Susanne Atanus are "offensive" and "have no place in the modern political debate."

He adds the 55-year-old from suburban Niles "has no place on the ballot" and should withdraw.

Atanus is running against David Williams III in the primary for the 9th Congressional District, which includes part of Chicago and its northern suburbs. The winner will face U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in the general election.

Atanus made the comments during an interview with the paper's editorial board. She says stands by her comments and won't withdraw.